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METRNL protein identified as key player in cancer progression

A protein called Meteorin-like (METRNL) in the tumor microenvironment saps energy from T cells, thereby severely limiting their ability to fight cancer, according to new research directed by investigators at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center and its Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy. Finding ways to block the effects of METRNL signaling on tumor-infiltrating T cells may allow these immune cells to regain the energy necessary to eliminate tumors.

7 Aug 2024

Surgery improves long-term outcomes for T-OPLL

Thoracic ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (TOPLL) is a rare condition associated with ectopic bone formation in the thoracic spine.

7 Aug 2024

Study highlights the need for language services in cancer trials

Underrepresentation of racial and ethnic minority populations in cancer clinical trials persists partly because translation and interpretation services and resources are unavailable or inadequate in the United States, according to a Children's Oncology Group (COG) study led by Columbia University School of Nursing. The updated study was published online in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute Cancer Spectrum on July 25, 2024, and will appear in the August 2024 journal issue.

7 Aug 2024

Study advances understanding of complex neurological disorder

To effectively treat a disease or disorder, doctors must first know the root cause. Such is the case for developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs), whose root causes can be hugely complex and heterogeneous. Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital demonstrated the value of DNA methylation patterns for identifying the root cause of DEEs, showing specific gene methylation and genome-wide methylation "episignatures" can help identify the genes that cause DEE. The findings were published today in Nature Communications.

7 Aug 2024

Researchers uncover immune system barrier to cancer treatment

By recruiting the immune system to combat tumor cells, immunotherapy has improved survival rates, offering hope to millions of cancer patients. However, only about one in five people responds favorably to these treatments.

7 Aug 2024

Artificial stone worktops pose serious health hazard

It may now be time to ban artificial stone-; a firm favorite for kitchen worktops in the UK-; to ward off the incurable lung disease caused by its manufacturing and fitting, say a team of doctors in the journal Thorax after treating the first 8 cases of artificial stone silicosis reported in the UK.

7 Aug 2024

Study uncovers roles of certain brain cells in Alzheimer's plaque formation

A study in Nature Neuroscience found that both neurons and oligodendrocytes contribute to amyloid-β plaque burden in Alzheimer's disease, highlighting new therapeutic targets.

7 Aug 2024

The interplay of liver cancer stem cells and immune cells in tumor microenvironment

The complex dynamics between liver cancer stem cells (CSCs) and immune cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME) are central to the progression of liver cancer. These interactions are critical in creating an immunosuppressive setting that significantly impacts the response to immunotherapy. Liver CSCs, responsible for tumor initiation, metastasis, therapeutic resistance, and recurrence, exhibit heterogeneity and are characterized by various surface markers that contribute to their stemness and metastatic potential.

7 Aug 2024

Online communities offer support but come with many risks, says new study

A review in Communications Psychology explores the motivations and diverse impacts of joining digital communities, highlighting both risks and opportunities for support and prevention.

6 Aug 2024

Yogurt with probiotics and honey boosts gut bacteria but no digestive or cognitive benefits

A study in The Journal of Nutrition found that yogurt with B. animalis and honey increases probiotic levels but doesn't affect digestion, cognition, or mood.

6 Aug 2024

Study reveals impact of climate change on enterovirus outbreaks

Outbreaks of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), which causes fever and rash in young children, typically occur in the summer months.

6 Aug 2024

Examining social and structural factors influencing obesity risk

Obesity is an epidemic in the United States. It has been increasing among adults of all races and ethnicities over the last two decades; however, obesity is higher among Non-Hispanic Black adults, Hispanic adults, and American Indian or Alaska Native adults, than their White and Asian counterparts, according to the National Institutes of Health.

6 Aug 2024

Study uncovers how TREM2 R47H mutation affects Alzheimer's plaques

Researchers led by the University of California, Irvine have discovered how the TREM2 R47H genetic mutation causes certain brain areas to develop abnormal protein clumps, called beta-amyloid plaques, associated with late-onset Alzheimer's disease.

6 Aug 2024

Study finds no link between gestational diabetes and breast cancer risk

Women who develop gestational diabetes are not more likely to go on to be diagnosed with breast cancer, according to a study of almost three-quarters of a million mothers to be presented at this year's Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) (Madrid, 9-13 September).

6 Aug 2024

Study reveals distinct genetic risk factors for influenza and COVID-19

A recent study in Nature Genetics reports that genetic risk factors for influenza and COVID-19 are distinct, highlighting their unique genetic architectures.

6 Aug 2024

Loneliness linked to increased nightmare frequency and intensity

People who are lonely are more apt to have bad dreams, according to a collaboration that included an Oregon State University scientist.

6 Aug 2024

Innovative nasal spray and vaccine for respiratory virus protection

A team of researchers, led by the University of Houston, has discovered two new ways of preventing and treating respiratory viruses.

6 Aug 2024

Study explores interpersonal effects of discrimination on parents and their adolescent children

Black Americans experience racial discrimination on a regular basis, and it is a cause of chronic and pervasive stress.

6 Aug 2024

Histopathologic features of immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced myocarditis

Announcing a new article publication for Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications journal. Recent advancements in immunotherapy have substantially improved overall survival and quality of life among patients with cancer.

6 Aug 2024

Analyzing the impact of heart disease treatments on patients with CHIP

Nicholas A. Marston, MD, MPH, of the TIMI Study Group and Carl J. and Ruth Shapiro Cardiovascular Center at Brigham and Women's Hospital, is the corresponding author of a paper published in Nature Medicine, "Clonal hematopoiesis, cardiovascular events and treatment benefit in 63,700 individuals from five TIMI randomized trials."

6 Aug 2024